Top 10, again!

24th August 2016

Leopard’s Leap is delighted to announce that the Culinaria Chenin Blanc has repeated the stellar performance of the 2014 vintage in being appointed as one of South Africa’s Top 10 Chenin Blancs in the Standard Bank and Chenin Blanc Association of South Africa’s Top 10 Chenin Blanc Challenge.

“What an honour to be recognised in the company of some of South Africa’s most renowned Chenin Blanc brands – two times in a row!”, says Leopard’s Leap CEO, Hein Koegelenberg. “We believe our country has enormous potential with this versatile variety and are delighted to be part of the journey of establishing quality Chenin Blanc on the world map.”

The Leopard’s Leap Culinaria Collection focusses on traditional French blends and styles as well as exceptional terroir. The 2015 Culinaria Chenin Blanc is made in the style of the Loire and originates from the Voor-Paardeberg area, acclaimed for growing excellent quality Chenin Blanc.

“When you start with exceptional grapes and then treat them with care and consideration, Chenin Blanc can be much more than a fresh and fruity aperitif”, says Leopard’s Leap Cellarmaster Eugene van Zyl. “We harvest at optimum ripeness, allow twelve hours’ skin contact and use only free-run juice. The wine was matured on the lees for nine months, and in the bottle for four.”

The result is a sophisticated wine with supple fruit and a well-balanced natural acidity. The well-defined fruit character of ample apricot, pear, pineapple and kiwi is supported by sweet-spice flavours as well as a zippy tartness. Elegant nuances of oak add fullness and ensure the wine to be an outstanding partner to food – as the Culinaria name would suggest.

Not only does the 2015 Culinaria Chenin Blanc work remarkably well with the notoriously difficult pairing of tomato, its versatility allows it to be an exceptional partner in the often controversial pairing of wine and cheese (read more) and even complement the tricky flavours of Thai food. Less controversial, but just as delicious are the pairings with shellfish, vegetarian dishes containing aubergine, leeks and peppers, salads with a sharp vinaigrette or tangy mayonnaise, oysters and asparagus with hollandaise.

The award-winning 2015 Culinaria Chenin Blanc does not only allow a serious interpretation of Chenin Blanc, but is guaranteed to be an elegant and versatile choice!